Learn how to make your summer picnic a bee free event

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Does the smell of barbecued chicken, veggies on the grill and fresh-squeezed lemonade have you salivating this season? Well, it also appeals to some unwanted guests of the stinging variety, too.

Bees like what you like.

“These enticing aromas often attract bees and wasps, which may become aggressive as they try to take a bite out of your burger,” said Susie Coelho, lifestyle and gardening expert.

Coelho’s solution to annoying bees at your family barbecue: “Share your feast. Put out a small plate of whatever you’re serving before the human guests arrive, particularly something sweetened with barbecue sauce.

“Once the bees discover this snack, carefully move the plate to a location away from your entertainment area,” said Coelho.

Social insects.

“Bees and wasps are highly social insects and communicate with each other, relaying direction and distance of nectar and pollen sources, and yes, whatever you’re serving.

Why go to this trouble? “Although these stinging insects are essential for pollination and pest control, their stings can cause skin irritation, swelling and itching – even death in individuals allergic to their venom,” said Dewey Caron, professor of entomology at the University of Delaware.

Citronella candles may be effective on mosquitoes, but they do little to repel bees or wasps.

* As the summer months progress, the bee/wasp population grows and their natural food supply dwindles, making your barbecue or picnic lunch even more appealing.

Late summer and early fall is actually the worst time for possible bee and wasp stings, so opt for outdoor gatherings earlier in the summer season.

* Those people who have systemic reactions to bee or wasp stings should carry an Epi-kit at all times. Epi-kits contain the drug epinephrine to counteract the allergic reaction, allowing more time to seek immediate medical attention.

* If you experience shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness and other abnormal symptoms after a sting and do not have an Epi-kit available, seek emergency medical attention immediately.